If there is an easier pasta dish to prepare than this slightly adapted version of a Giada de Laurentiis classic, I’d appreciate it if you would send me the recipe at your earliest convenience! (And BTW, your recipe has to be as delicious.) Because, frankly, this is the tastiest quick and easy pasta I have ever had the pleasure of putting in my mouth. Now granted, I love fresh lemon, basil, Parmesan, and pasta more than just about any other ingredients. So for me, this simple dish is just about as good as it gets. And the fact that I only have to make one pot dirty is not only a bonus for me, but the resident dish washer (Mr. C) also appreciates that benefit.

So about this recipe, I have very little more to say either about the dish or about life in general. (I know – no caustic remarks directed at politicians, no firm instructions not to mess with the ingredients, not even a comment about myself or my friends that you don’t care to read about anyway!)

So, just one more little tidbit for the record. Make this dish and you will know what summer tastes like. And thank you Linder for sending me the recipe, and Giada, for sharing yet another incredibly divine recipe with all of us.

• 1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ tsp. lemon zest
• scant ¼ c. fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 c. finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ c. chopped fresh basil + more for garnish
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz. spaghetti, cooked al dente

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest & juice, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the cooked pasta, adjust seasoning, garnish with basil, and serve immediately. (If you need additional liquid for your sauce, use a small amount of the pasta water.)